A view of Lambeth Palace from the river at Whitehall Stairs 1643 - 1644

Wenceslaus Hollar created "A View of Lambeth Palace from the River at Whitehall Stairs" as an etching on a sheet of paper during a tumultuous period in English history. Born in Prague, Hollar’s career took him across Europe, eventually landing him in England, where he became a key recorder of the social landscape during the 17th century. This piece offers us a glimpse into the power structures of the time. With Lambeth Palace, the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, positioned in the distance, the work subtly comments on the relationship between religious and political authority. The figures populating the foreground are small, their presence speaks to the everyday lives unfolding against this backdrop of governance. Hollar, as an immigrant artist navigating the complexities of English society, provides a unique perspective, subtly questioning the dominant narratives of power and place. His etchings invite us to reflect on the ever-present negotiation between individual experience and the imposing structures of authority.